This is not true. They are typically classified as "Others" under the race category.

Vincent Ng

Head, Public & Internal Communications

Corporate Communications Division

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

Wait a week before abortion

THERE should be a waiting period of seven days after counselling by a doctor before an abortion is carried out ("Discourage abortions, encourage adoptions"; Feb 5).

A printed brochure with carefully worded advice and listing support services available could also be given to the woman.

Strong societal support is essential to reduce the number of abortions.

David Wang Kok Ying

Minimum hours for cabbies

THE authorities should legislate that every taxi licence holder should clock at least 40 hours a year to keep their licences, and make these renewable yearly ("Call to help cabbies find relief drivers"; last Tuesday).

This will separate serious taxi licence holders from the irresponsible ones, and also increase the pool of relief drivers.

Lim Hock Chuan

Open Istana on more days

THE Istana is one of the few places of interest in Singapore where citizens and permanent residents can enjoy free admission.

Unfortunately, it is open to the public on only about 10 occasions each year. This could be addressed by having an open house say, on the first Sunday each month, on top of the public holiday open houses.